Awards were given for academic success, students’ contributions to different aspects of school life, services to the community and sporting achievements.

Acting headteacher Tracey Gibson said: “We had a tremendous turnout for what is a very important event in the school calendar and I was delighted that so many people were present and able to share in the success of our students.”

A number of multiple awards winners were honoured, including former Year 11 student and Head Boy James Brennan, who achieved full attendance during his five years at the school.

He is now studying for A-levels at English Martyrs Sixth Form College and returned to collect seven awards, including The Bishop of Jarrow Award for outstanding achievement and bringing credit to the school.

Another ex-student to be recognised was Jordan Fielding, who is currently signed to Hartlepool United FC’s football academy. He received three awards, including the HSS Class of 81/82 Award for courtesy to students and staff within Year 11.

Other multiple award winners who are still at St Hild’s included Rachael White, Scarlet Sharp and Abby Wallace.

Guest of honour at the event was Hartlepool mountaineer Ellis Stewart who had a life dream – which was 20 years in the making – to scale the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

He finally managed to be part of an international expedition in the spring of 2014 but an avalanche that killed 16 Sherpa guides ahead of Ellis and his team ended all climbing on the mountain. He returned 12 months later but was again thwarted when an earthquake devastated large areas of Nepal and triggered more avalanches on Everest.